Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 02/01/2026 Gr 6–9—In 1971, Juliane Koepcke, 17, lived through a terrifying event when the airplane she was on ran into an unexpected thunderstorm and broke apart midair. Juliane, strapped into her seat, fell two miles through the air only to find herself injured and alone in an isolated part of the dense Peruvian Amazon rainforest. As the daughter of scientists, Koepcke had been taught from a young age about the ever-present dangers from both plants and animals in the Amazon. Undoubtedly, these lessons contributed to her survival. Remembering her father's advice, if lost, follow the water because a waterway would eventually lead to people, Koepcke walked for 11 days before she found help. The third-person narration details Koepcke's perspective. Insets provide scientific information about animals encountered, environmental conditions, and what happens to planes in storms. The background story of Koepcke's German-born parents, who lived and worked in Peru, is fascinating, as well as Koepcke's adult accomplishments as a scientist and determined protector of the Amazon. Back matter includes a guide to Panguana and the rainforest, a section on "How to Become a Scientist," bibliography, and further reading suggestions. VERDICT As a harrowing survival story and informative science book about the Amazon, the book successfully demonstrates the interconnectedness of life and nature in a unique setting.—Lucinda Whitehurst - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 01/01/2026 This incredible true story details how 17-year-old Peruvian German Juliane Koepcke was the sole survivor of a plane crash in the Amazon rainforest on December 24, 1971, and her 11-day solitary struggle to survive in the unforgiving jungle before she found help. Debut author Cochrane includes sidebars that explain the science and pure luck that enabled Koepcke to survive the two-mile fall from the plane, losing a shoe and her glasses along the way. The book has information about the insects, reptiles, animals, flora, fauna, and Indigenous people living in the jungle. The latter part of the book recounts her life after the crash—obtaining a PhD in zoology, writing her autobiography, being the subject of a Werner Herzog film, and battling the Peruvian government to keep control of the biological research station her scientist parents established. Illustrations by Church begin each chapter (art not seen at time of review), and end matter includes definitions, tips for becoming a field scientist, examples of noted scientists, further reading and viewing, and a bibliography. This is a riveting memoir and survival story of a remarkable teenager. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.